Wildlife Conservation

Conservation is the PRESERVATION of wildlife which includes not only animals but all aspects of nature, rivers, trees, flora and fauna.

Zimbabwe Wildlife Conservation

In Zimbabwe until recent years the proper conservation of wildlife was a matter
of National priority. Upon this foundation the highly respected Zimbabwe
National Parks was founded.

Concern over the survival of large mammals was first expressed early in the 20th century, as many species including rhino and
elephant, had suffered severely from several decades of uncontrolled hunting.
The spread of commercial agriculture and human settlement had also destroyed
animal habitats.

The government responded by setting aside large "game reserves" solely for
wildlife. These reserves were the forerunners of today's national parks system.
Locals were removed from these areas and forbidden to hunt for any reason.
Approximately 5 million hectares of land or 13% of Zimbabwe falls under the care
of the Zimbabwe National Parks authority.

In recent years due to the economic collapse of the country. The challenges
of conservation have become even tougher. Poaching for meat has become a matter
of their own survival for many local people. Poaching for animal products such as skins, rhino horn
and elephant tusks, has become prolific as poachers are offered in some cases
the equivalent of a years wages for one rhino horn. Poaching for wood for both
firewood and curio carving has dramatically increased as curio carvers try to etch out
a living.

How sad is this picture!

There have also been many reports of uncontrolled hunting, whereby hunting is
carried out unscrupulously, not taking into account the stock levels of animals
etc.

The situation is dire and only through the concerted effort of certain groups
of people has the situation avoided complete disaster.

These are some groups which have played a pivotal role in conserving our
wildlife. We are very thankful to them for their dedication and hard work.

The success of sustainable conservation today is through community awareness
Everyone has to understand the value and importance of our natural resources and
understand that is within their own interests to protect them.

I believe that we must all play our part and not leave it to the other guy to
do. Have your say in the blog below...

Wildlife Conservation Blog

If you have an opinion, a story, maybe an idea on how to start a conservation project or anything about conservation that you think might be of interest, please share it with us in the invitation box below. It will be posted onto our blog and a dedicated web page will be created for it.

Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story.

TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.